The new "Ovo Time" product is a chocolate bar that can be enjoyed at home or in the office, alone or together. The new product sets itself apart from existing Ovo products in that it sees itself as a source of energy and at the same time emphasizes enjoyment and mental power.

Wirz sums up the positioning of the new product with the claim "So much time is a must". We all live in hectic times. Ovo Time is intended to remind Switzerland how important it is to take time for short breaks.

"To be successful these days, you need more than just a fine product. The well thought-out strategy of the brand launch has convinced us. We can now close a gap in our snack range and position ourselves as a new player in the premium segment," says Lena Cina, Brand Manager at Wander.

Wirz presents the new Ovo Time in two films with plenty of Ovomaltine charm. In addition, numerous DOOHs, digital ads and measures on social media and in the out-of-home area throughout Switzerland ensure that people take more time for moments of indulgence.

Responsible at Ovomaltine: Lena Cina, Christina Kieni Römer, Christof Stulz, Simon Schiess. Responsible at Wirz: Lorenz Clormann, Jannic Mascello, Evelyn Schellenberg, Florian Siegrist, Fabian Nold, Anja Fiebiger, Nico Keramaris, Svea Maeder, Nadja Kilchhofer, Erasmo Palomba, Muharem Alagic, Giovanni Bucca, Livio Dainese. Responsible at Boom Creative Studio: Annina Zimmermann (Senior Producer), Tatjana Wenig (Director), Diara Sow (DoP), Peter Scherz (Production Design), Amanda Brooke (Styling), Simon Hardegger (Grading), DubDub (Audio).

In close co-creation with Swisscom, Serviceplan Suisse ensured the entire communicative launch of Swisscom Sure in spring, from the communicative orientation of the innovative products to the final advertising material (Markt-kom.com reported). The "toggle" was also created for this purpose, symbolizing the digital DNA of the insurance company and embodying the simplicity, transparency and flexibility of Swisscom Sure. It is also used as a visual and content-related binding element in the two new films on the subject of legal protection insurance.

The two new films are similarly colorful and cheerful - and also extremely animalistic. For example, an octopus on a drum kit robs his bearish neighbor of his sleep. Or a cunning snake turns a damaged motorcycle on an unsuspecting biker rabbit.

As in the first communication wave, the stories are again produced in a mixed-media style. With their light and striking style, they are intended to convey the topic of legal protection in a direct, humorous and attention-grabbing way. In addition, the animal protagonists with their human characteristics also ensure that you can recognize yourself in them with a wink.

In addition to legal protection insurance, Swisscom Sure's liability and household contents insurance products are also being showcased once again. They can be seen in cinemas, online, as digital out-of-home and also on a very large 158 square meters at the Pfingstweidparkhaus near Hardbrücke station - in the form of a megaposter that interacts with the building.

Customer: Swisscom Switzerland. Responsible at the House of Communication Zurich: Nadja Tandler, Carina Kienzle (Art Direction), Michael Winnicki (Graphics), Kelsang Gope (Text), Marcin Baba, Micha Seger (ECD), Nicole Grogg, Edi Walker (Consulting), Barbara Meier (Realization), Nico Podgorny (Chief Client Officer), Raul Serrat (Chief Creative Officer), Nathalie Diethelm (CEO). External partners: Leo Matkovic (illustrations), Neil Stubbings (animations), DubDub (sound design).

The Female Innovation Forum is aimed at female founders and young entrepreneurs and connects the startup world in Switzerland and abroad. According to the EY Startup Barometer (2023), only 5 percent of startups founded by women received venture capital. The forum has set itself the goal of continuously increasing this proportion and promoting and networking young female entrepreneurs in order to ultimately strengthen Switzerland as a business location in the long term.

For the seventh time, the Female Innovation Forum presented awards in various categories to innovative women. With the "Female Innovator of the Year" and the "Recognition Award", two jury awards were presented again this year. In addition, four other female founders were honored together with various Collab partners in the areas of "Social Innovation", "Digital Innovation", "Diversity & Inclusion Innovation" and "Design Innovation". Founder and jury president Sandra-Stella Triebl emphasizes: "The economy also has a female face. We show and celebrate that."

Daily program with keynotes and workshops

Once again this year, the Female Innovation Forum offered various networking opportunities. In guided workshops with five female founders from different sectors, the 260 participants were able to exchange experiences and ideas and make valuable contacts.

Marion Fogli from the digital private bank Alpian spoke about financial knowledge as a driver for innovation, and social entrepreneurship expert Katherin Milligan showed the path to becoming a social change leader. BMW Vice President Brand Portfolio, Dr. Larissa Huisgen, explained how transformation is made possible through innovation, while Siemens Sustainability Lead Pina Schlombs presented innovation as a turbo for sustainable industries. And Sarah Harbarth from start-up Kuori presented solutions for the circular economy with innovative upcycling technology.

The day was crowned by the Award Night in the form of a gala dinner, which was accompanied by another keynote speech by Larisa B. Miller, CEO Phoenix Global Group Holdings.

"Female Innovator of the Year" award for Nicole Kleger

The main award of the Female Innovation Forum 2024, which is presented in cooperation with BMW Switzerland, went to the ETH spin-off "Sallea" and honored co-founder Nicole Kleger. The start-up has developed a novel process for the production of biomaterials to create three-dimensional structures on which flesh tissue can grow. Their 3D printing can be used, for example, as a basis for cultivating meat in the laboratory.

"Recognition Award" for Margaux Peltier

The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne EPFL has developed an innovative solution for the use of heat and cold from existing underground infrastructure. To this end, "Enerdrape" has constructed geothermal panels that can be installed in tunnels, parking garages or subway stations. Several layers of pipes run through them, through which water circulates and which thus become heat exchangers. In this way, the energy from existing buildings is used directly underground.

The engineer Margaux Peltier is CEO and co-founder of "Enerdrape" and is responsible for the development of the corporate strategy and its implementation. She received the "Recognition Award" for this, which was presented to her by the digital private bank Alpian.

Four awards for exceptional women

In addition to BMW and the digital private bank Alpian, the Female Innovation Forum is also supported by DQSolutions, Siemens, USM and the Canton of Zurich. They each presented an award.

The Social Innovation Award in cooperation with the Office of Labor of the Canton of Zurich was presented to Sarah Taubman for her app and empowerment with "Tara & Pipps": Children's stories as preparation for medical interventions.

This year, the Digital Innovation Award from DQ Solutions went to Olga Miler, who "Smart Purse" for more financial knowledge as the basis for prosperity.

Siemens presented its Diversity & Inclusion Award to Lisa Stähli, founder of "hello world 50:50" for their commitment and a "better together".

And the Design Award from USM Modular Furniture went to Ramona Schwarz from "Rayne Care" for their menstruation Disc.

What is the situation with podcasts in German-speaking countries? Is podcasting different in Germany, Switzerland and Austria? In the opening panel of Dezibel 2024, Laura Dath-Lienenkämper (Podstars by OMR, DE), Jeanne Drach (Oh wow, AT) and Cheyenne Mackay (Podcastschmiede, CH) discuss the state of podcasts in German-speaking countries and whether there are differences between countries. In addition, David Reiter from St. Audio shows over 150 ways to increase podcast reach - and Andreas Wullschleger from Ellie Media gives insights into how AI can support the efficiency and quality of podcasts.

Addressing the next generation

Podcasts without video are almost unimaginable, especially for a young audience. But what works and which formats are suitable for video? In a workshop, the audience is to be made fit for video podcasts.

Another workshop will also show how podcasters can monetize their shows and how advertisers can book effective podcast campaigns. The block of five short 7-minute inputs will provide inspiration and insights into the boom of live podcasts in front of an audience, audio guides and podcast research at ZHdK.

"How do we reach young people with a podcast?" This frequently asked question will be discussed by the guests on the last panel, including the social media agency Xeit. The program will be rounded off with the recording of two live podcasts: "Scho ghört" with guest Céline Raval from SRF and the football podcast "Steilpass" with Sarah Akanji.

Network and inspiration at the center

For podcasters, radio people, media professionals and those responsible for communication and marketing, "Dezibel" offers inspiration, more knowledge about podcasts and audio marketing and also the opportunity to network. "Dezibel is an exciting networking event with an exchange of best practice and news from the industry," said one visitor last year.

The podcast conference Decibel 2024 will take place on October 24 from 9:30 a.m. at Technopark Winterthur. Tickets are available at Decibel.io.

Arcidiacono, 58, who is independent, will take up his post on October 1, as the Federal Chancellery announced on Friday. He will remain director of the Arcidiacono Consulting Partners agency until the end of September, but will relinquish this post and his shareholding in the company. He lives in Bern.

Arcidiacono was proposed for election by Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi. The designated new Vice-Chancellor knows the Federal Parliament, federal politics and the tasks of the federal media, Rossi told the media in Bern. Arcidiacono is a native Italian speaker and speaks German, French and English.

"Different roles"

He is convinced that Arcidiacono will ensure continuity. Arcidiacono started his career as a journalist. He then worked for the Federal Administration, Presence Switzerland, Curafutura, the University of Italian-speaking Switzerland in Ticino and the Federal Administrative Court.

Arcidiacono expressed his thanks for the election in the four national languages. He said it was a great honor and responsibility for him to take on this important role. "Mutual trust is the starting point for carrying out my exciting and difficult task in the best possible way."

Arcidiacono assured the journalists that he was looking forward to working with the media representatives, "even if we will have different roles".

He said that he wanted to ensure continuity in the first phase of his work. In a second phase, he wants to analyze where strengths and weaknesses lie and examine where and what can be developed further and how.

"The entire Federal Council will be a party"

When asked about his party affiliation, Arcidiacono said: "I stand for solidarity, personal responsibility and equal opportunities. My party will be the Federal Council as a whole. I don't belong to any party." He has already worked for members of the Federal Council from various parties.

Arcidiacono began his career in journalism. He worked as a journalist and parliamentary correspondent for the newspaper Corriere del Ticino and the television station of Italian-speaking Switzerland RSI. From 2007 to 2009, he was head of the Italian-language editorial team at Swissinfo.

He then gained experience in communications within and outside the Federal Administration. He was deputy head of information for Federal Councillors Ruth Dreifuss and Pascal Couchepin. In 2017 and 2018, he was media spokesperson at the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH.

At the Presence Switzerland image agency of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), he managed the "Gotthard 2016", "Italy/Expo Milano 2015" and "Verso Expo Milano 2015" programs. He was also responsible for public relations at the Università della Svizzera italiana and for the health insurance association Curafutura. From 2009 to 2011, he was responsible for communications at the Federal Administrative Court.

Accordion, jogging, traveling

Arcidiacono lists playing the accordion, jogging and traveling as his hobbies. His predecessor André Simonazzi (SP) died in May at the age of 55 during a hike. He had held the office for 15 years. Until Arcidiacono takes up office, Simonazzi's closest colleague Ursula Eggenberger will perform his functions ad interim.

She heads the Communications Section in the Federal Chancellery. She will return to this role when the new Vice-Chancellor takes office. Rachel Salzmann (center) has held the second Vice-Chancellor position since July 1. (SDA/swi)

That too! What a ...! CAC is suddenly relevant. In written form: Customer Acquisition Cost. In other words, it refers to the financial outlay required to acquire customers. Not that the term is new, but the frequency with which it is used and the many managers who ask about CAC are causing marketing departments and agencies alike to be alarmed. Now what? Why should we also divide the spend at the end of a campaign by the number of customers acquired? You might ask yourself this question. But the answer is: it's justified.

Marketing often has a tough time in companies. When the going gets tough, depending on the industry, finance, IT, operations, distribution, sales and recently even HR set the pace in management. Marketing often takes a back seat with its role.

There are few marketing-driven companies in Switzerland. On is one of them and always has to make do. It's often said: "We're not On." That's true, but you could be. But it doesn't, or doesn't allow itself to become one because a) in bad times, it saves on marketing instead of investing, and b) because marketing managers flatly refuse to raise the CAC. No one should be surprised if the killer question "Do we really need this?" is followed by "What are our customer acquisition costs?".

When every franc counts

There are various methods for calculating the CAC value. A simple version is: CAC = total costs for marketing and sales / number of newly acquired customers. And that's where the struggle begins. What exactly was booked to which cost center? Sales and marketing are not only enemies in funny TikTok videos. There are also numerous other jokes and comics in the style of "What's the difference between marketing and sales...?" The old star among cartoonists in the business world, Scott Adams, with his character Dilbert, provides them by the page.

The total cost of marketing and sales usually includes every franc a company spends on acquiring new customers. This includes the cost of staff in the bloated marketing departments (which usually pay higher salaries than the agencies), sales staff (who are motivated by high commissions but cannot use the marketing material), the production of marketing materials, events, exhibitions, stores, campaigns and everything else that is done to acquire customers. This is compared with the number of new customers acquired within a certain period of time. The result is then two, three or four-digit figures, depending on the situation. Once the cash figure is in front of you, the question should be allowed: "Is it worth it?" And this question can be asked by everyone. Instead of grumbling "that too", please go and do the math and analyze. Otherwise you'll soon be out of luck.

* Benno Maggi is co-founder and CEO of Partner & Partner. He has been eavesdropping on the industry for over 30 years, discovering words and terms for us that can either be used for small talk, pomposity, excitement, playing Scrabble, or just because.

Losing the federal subsidy of just under 19 million francs would effectively spell the end of the ten-language platform Swissinfo.ch, the SSM wrote in a press release on Friday.

In addition to Swissinfo, SRG's international programming includes the Italian-language website tvsvizzera.it as well as collaborations with the television networks TV5 Monde and 3sat. It is funded equally by the federal government and SRG.

According to the SSM, 100 permanent employees and more than a hundred freelancers will be laid off as a result of the cut in funding for Swissinfo. This would mean another serious blow for Switzerland as a media center and a further loss of media diversity. The SSM will therefore express its opposition in the upcoming consultation process.

The SRG itself confirmed in a statement that without federal funding, it would be unable to maintain its international programming. This would have serious consequences and pose a significant disadvantage both for Swiss citizens living abroad and for Switzerland’s presence abroad. Switzerland would thus severely limit its ability to explain its decisions abroad, as well as to provide a platform for its artists and cultural productions abroad.

Like the SSM union, the SRG also pointed out that Swissinfo serves as an important link between Swiss citizens living abroad and their home country.

The Swissinfo platform was originally created as the successor to Swiss Radio International. It had already undergone a major restructuring by the end of 2011. At that time, the SRG had announced that it would cut approximately 40 of 126 positions by the end of 2012. The budget of 26 million had been cut by a third. The Federal Council subsequently extended the platform’s mandate for international operations on a regular basis. (SDA)

Among the signatories to the appeal are musician Stephan Eicher, writer Joël Dicker and film director Ursula Meier, as well as swimmer Roman Mityukov and numerous personalities from the worlds of science and culture.

Last week, Tamedia announced that it would be cutting jobs and merging editorial teams (Markt-kom.com reported). There are plans to cut 25 full-time positions in French-speaking Switzerland. 24 Heures, Tribune de Genève and Le Matin Dimanche are to be produced by a single editorial team in future.

According to the appeal, French-speaking Switzerland deserves a strong, independent and diverse regional press. For years, the cutbacks have led to an impoverishment of regional information. Moreover, if the proportion of texts translated from German in newspapers in French-speaking Switzerland increases, the voice of French-speaking Switzerland will become inaudible.

In a statement on Friday evening, Tamedia regretted that it had not been asked for the coverage. The company management has taken note of the signatories with great respect, Tamedia announced in French. It takes the concerns seriously and understands the emotions of those affected.

With its new strategy, the company is responding to rapidly changing media usage and the paradigm shift in the advertising market. The aim of the new orientation is to ensure a solid foundation in order to secure the information mandate. The aim is to meet the challenges with a strong press in French-speaking Switzerland - with deeply rooted titles such as 24 Heures and Tribune de Genève. (SDA/swi)

The design of the physical environment has an impact on our health. This is why the Swiss Center for Design and Health SCDH tests, evaluates and optimizes design and architectural solutions.

Since it was founded in 2019, the SCDH has developed a broad portfolio and built up a unique infrastructure in Nidau near Biel/Bienne. This includes the largest extended reality simulation area in Switzerland, which was put into operation in 2023. On the 560 square meter platform, floor plans of new buildings and conversions can be projected onto the floor in their original size, walls can be recreated with cardboard and rooms can be furnished with real furniture or mock-ups. In simulation workshops led by SCDH experts, the construction plans are tested together with future users by simulating concrete everyday scenarios. The offer is aimed at both clients and planners.

Solutions for current challenges

The aim of the simulation workshops on the extended reality simulation area is to identify inconsistencies in the plans at an early stage and avoid costly construction errors as well as to enable safe use, efficient processes and attractive working conditions - in order to promote the health of all users.

The campaign addresses the five aspects of costs, safety, processes and routes as well as working conditions and communicates them each with their own subject. The simulation area was staged and photographed differently for each theme.

Strong presence in digital channels

In addition to social ads, display programmatic and Google Ads, the campaign also includes traditional print ads and a mailing to reach as broad a target group as possible. An explanatory video was also created for the landing page to show how the simulation area works in practice and what advantages it offers. The campaign was implemented in German and French and has been running since mid-September.

Responsible at SCDH: Stefan Sulzer (Managing Director), Yvonne Uhlig (Head of Communications and Marketing), Anja Walker (Communications and Marketing), Ramon Lehmann (Photography). Responsible at Friendly regards: Christian Stüdi, Julian Riegel, David Elmiger (text / concept), Seraina Meier, Kevin Zysset (art direction), Andrea Aegerter, Rea Köhler (consulting), Pascal Pfohl (film), Pascal Deville, Fabian Biedermann, Samuel Textor (overall responsibility).

Every year, the "Swiss Out of Home Award" honors analogue, digital and innovative outdoor advertising in Switzerland. A total of 163 entries were submitted in 2024 - 30 of which were nominated by the jury. The award ceremony took place on Thursday as part of the industry event Woohw!, which was organized by the Swiss Outdoor Advertising Association AWS and supported by APG|SGA, Goldbach Neo and Horizon.

The independent expert jury of 14 personalities from advertising, culture and design announced and awarded the 15 winning campaigns of the Swiss Out of Home Awards in gold, silver and bronze during the Award Night at the Stage One Event & Convention Hall in Zurich.

The gold winners operate in very different areas of application for OOH media: From the personnel campaign for over 50s (category Public Service) of VBZ to the summer campaign "Cool down in the Museum" (category Culture) for the Museum Haus Konstruktiv to the subscription campaign (category Commercial Local & Regional) for the weekly newspaper Woz.

Bank Cler's "Werbung naja, Zins gut." campaign received the main "Campaign of the Year" award and also won gold in the Commercial National and Digital Out of Home categories. The bar was set particularly high in the Out of Home Innovations category: "Unfortunately, no project in this category was deemed worthy of an award by the jury in the current year," says Christian Brändle, jury president and director of the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich.

Supporting program with keynote and panel

The Woohw! industry event was preceded by the conference. The technical part started in the afternoon with keynotes from the Neuromarketing expert Gesa Lischka and neuropsychologist Prof. Dr. Lutz Jäncke from the University of Zurich. The subsequent panel discussion featured Antonia Lepore (CMO, Axa Switzerland), Oliver Schönfeld (Managing Director TWmedia, The Whole Media), Stefan Vogler (Lecturer and Head of the CAS Marketing Communications course, HWZ) and Gesa Lischka. The panel was moderated by Johannes Hapig, co-editor-in-chief of m&k.

The sponsors Setaprint, Richnerstutz, Burri Public Elements and Media Focus were present with interactive presentations. HP3, a mobile trio with saxophone, double bass and minimal drum set, provided the sound for the dinner and party. The more than 350 invited guests partied in high spirits until late into the night.

m&k is media partner of the industry event Woohw!

According to market research, there is still considerable potential for leisure travel on public transport in Switzerland. In comprehensive analyses, SBB has closely examined the needs and motivations of travelers. These findings have resulted in a new strategic direction for leisure marketing. At the heart of the campaign is the emotional staging of the leisure experience by train.

Five commercials and various shorter formats visualize how unforgettable leisure moments can be experienced on public transport. Offers such as the "Day Pass for 2", the "Saver Ticket", the "Saver Day Pass", the "Carpool Ticket" and special offers for families are highlighted.

The national cross-media leisure campaign was launched in mid-September with the time-limited "Day ticket for 2" promotion and is being played out on TV, OOH and various online channels. By combining broad reach and targeted performance orientation, the campaign ensures that the message reaches both a broad public and specifically selected target groups.

Responsible at SBB: Matthias Bütler (Head of Marketing and Market Development and member of the SBB Passenger Transport Market Management Board), Sandro Borrelli (Head of Marketing), Veronica Keller (Head of Marketing Leisure), Renato Blösch, Christa Weidmann, Jasmin Rüegg, Nora Grunder (Marketing Communications Manager); Responsible agency: Contexta. Film production: Luxumbra Film. Producer: Lukas Linder. Direction/Cinematography/Photography: Paulus Bruegmann. Art Department: Atelier Lomann. Sound: Dub Dub. Media: Havas.

The 90-minute documentary followed the local organizing committee from summer 2022 onwards as they organized the "Matterhorn Cervino Speed Opening". For the first time, a ski race was to be held in two countries and at an altitude of 3,800 meters.

The film shows footage of the Valais mountain landscape and provides a rare glimpse behind the scenes. Viewers are taken on an emotional journey with many highs and lows and experience first-hand how the initiators and organizers are often close to tears - because while the race in the 2022/2023 season had to be cancelled due to a lack of snow, it fell victim to strong winds in the 2023/2024 season.

The leading World Cup athletes also have their say. Marco Odermatt, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, Lara Gut-Behrami, Corinne Suter and Jasmine Flury are in the spotlight during their preparations for the races, at public appearances, in private or in encounters with their fans. The moving story of Mauro Caviezel also takes center stage. The film shows his path to an attempted comeback after he suffered a severe concussion during training. After falling again in November 2022, Caviezel subsequently announced his retirement from top-level sport.

Crime thriller in front of and behind the camera

"The race was a powerful undertaking, characterized by emotions of euphoria, uncertainty and powerlessness," says co-director Alun Meyerhans, describing the dramaturgical realization of the film. "The proximity to the protagonists allowed us to create a captivating narrative, supported by impressive images and effective music."

Logistically, the realization was a high-wire act. "Documentaries require constant preparedness for the unpredictable," explains co-director Flavio Gerber. "This was particularly challenging here, because we didn't know until the very last second whether the race would take place: So where do we place our teams to be there for the decisions and capture the emotions? Especially in bad weather, a quick change of location is not possible in such a high mountain area."

The documentary will be screened for the first time at the Zurich Film Festival on October 4, 2024 and will be shown three times in total.

Documentary film: Alun Meyerhans, Flavio Gerber (Director, Screenplay); Flavio Gerber, Toby Stüssi (Executive Producers); Susanne Bucher (Producer); Tom Gibbons, Jan Mettler, Silvio Gerber (DoP); Christoph Gripentrog, Lea Filadoro (Edit); Diego Baldenweg, Nora Baldenweg, Lionel Baldenweg (Music); Denis Elmaci (Sound Design). Athletes: Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, Corinne Suter, Jasmine Flury, Lara Gut-Behrami, Marco Odermatt, Mauro Caviezel.